Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces

ABSTRACT

Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces consisting of an integration center working with an application for real-time management of an anti-corrosive protection of a metallic surface through anti-corrosion modules, an integration center, a geolocation tool, a motherboard with dedicated processor, WIFI adapters, Bluetooth, Ethernet ports, camera interface plus sensors for measuring temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This descriptive report refers to the application for a patent for a central integration of anti-corrosion modules to prevent oxidation on metal surfaces.

This integration center allows a new way of installing anti-corrosion modules and guarantees the user full control and management of the information necessary for the proper functioning of their anti-corrosion protection system through communication with a software/application (APP).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

It is known by technicians on the subject that there are certain ways to inhibit the action of corrosion of metals by electrochemical reaction with elements of the environment where such metals are used. One of these forms is the incidence of electrons in a metallic body so that the atoms in the corrosive substances are reached by these charges, becoming neutral and forming a thin layer of rust, adherent and compact, non-porous, which isolates the metallic surface practically paralyzing the corrosion process.

In this type of metal surface treatment, when the metal is already in a corrosive process, the existing rust is gradually replaced by a protective layer so that, the surface remains with a new appearance and has a longer lifespan.

As an example of the matter listed above and in order to present the prior technique of the invention to be described, the document below can be cited as prior art, teaching the state of the art applied, and this document has been filed by the same inventor and applicant of the present patent application:

Brazilian patent BR 202015025065-2 claims an anti-corrosion equipment to be applied on metallic bodies and surfaces to avoid and prevent the chemical process of corrosion. The equipment comes in two configurations, one with alternating current circuit and one with direct current circuit. The equipment, more specifically in its first version, consists of a box with a lid housing the internal circuit, which is composed of components connected in series, these being a current rectifier, an interference reducing filter, a switching transformer and communicating isolation with an integrated control circuit connected to a secondary rectifier, in addition to a secondary filter equally communicating with the integrated control circuit and connected to a current controller with three LED charge indicator lamps, also having four outputs, output 1, output 2, common output and output to ground wire.

Its second version has a circuit for direct current circuit. It consists of a protector over current and polarity inverter, an interference reducing filter connected to a high frequency inductor which communicates with an integrated control circuit and connects to a current rectifier. Besides a secondary filter, connected to the integrated circuit of control also connected to a current controller and charge indicator this component has three LED type lamps, charge indicators, with three outputs being output 1, output 2, and common output.

Such equipment will be connected to the power grid or battery (depending on your configuration) and the metal body to be protected from corrosion. Thus, the equipment provides continuous current induction in the metallic body, “bombing” these electrons in order to make their potential negative, assuming a cathodic behavior.

Despite its excellent applicability, the current market demands more possibilities of use and an expansion of its administration if used in large metallic bodies, which require more than one equipment for treatment of its surfaces.

In addition, the equipment, as presented in the above document, has its function control based on LEDs, of which the green indicates the good functioning and the red indicates that the electron distribution has been interrupted, a simplistic approach that does not resonate with today's technology. It is also known that each metallic body, depending on its composition and size (mass) has a potential equilibrium point when electrons are injected so that they are not insufficient or excessive, what could cause the opposite effect of the intended one, that is, the corrosion of the metallic surface.

It is known that oxidation and reduction processes are involved in the study of electrochemistry, where chemical reactions occur with the involvement of electron transfer from one reagent to another. Both processes occur simultaneously and cannot coexist independently. Reduction occurs when a reagent gains electron and goes to a more negative oxidation state. It is also known that each type of metal or metallic compound has a greater or lesser predisposition to oxidation. THE OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

Due to the excellent applicability of the equipment described above, described by the inventor and applicant of this document, it is to expand its performance and installation of the anti-corrosion equipment, ensuring that its application makes it possible to reach the potential balance of the metallic body, regardless of its composition or size, offering the user real-time information on the protection provided and the possibility of remote management.

For this purpose, its installation form now includes a previous analysis of the metallic surface to be protected, which, depending on its size, is subdivided into sectors, within each sector there is a unit acting as an anti-corrosion module (now called the anti-corrosion equipment).

After the modules are installed on the surface, they are all integrated by one and to one integration center.

This integration center has sensors, motherboard and dedicated software to analyze the functioning of each of the modules and communicate with na app/software (for desktop or mobile), which will provide the user with all the relevant and necessary information about each one of its integration centers and its respective anti-corrosion modules.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Explained in a summarized form the invention becomes better understood through the attached figures:

FIG. 1—illustrates an anti-corrosion module and its circuit according to the attached drawings of the prior art mentioned;

FIG. 2—illustrates, through its details A, B and C, respectively, a rear view, a superior plan view and a front view of a metal structure such as a shed;

FIG. 3—Illustrates detail B of the previous figure, that is, the top plan view of the structure where the dashed lines in quadrangular formation represent the different sectors performance of each anti-corrosion module in the metallic structure;

FIG. 4—Shown in the previous figure, illustrating that each sector receives the anchoring points of its respective anti-corrosion module, so that each module acts in a particular area of the structure, assuring protection against oxidation across the metal surface;

FIG. 5—Illustrates two frontal views of an integration central, one with its door closed and one with its door open, which displays the motherboard and the housings where each anti-corrosion module that will act on the metallic structure;

FIG. 6—illustrates a smartphone with the app/software that provides management of information and actions for user's integration systems, via Wifi.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the figures, the Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces is made up of an integration center (10) with a motherboard and dedicated software, receiver of anti-corrosion module units (20) which works in conjunction with digital software in the app/software (30) for real-time management of each switch integration (10) and its modules (20).

Those referred anti-corrosion modules (20) are, specifically, state-of-the-art anti-corrosion equipment, claimed by document BR 202015025065-2 more specifically in its first version, with a circuit for alternating current, consisting of a covered box with a lid that hosts the internal circuit (21) equipped with components connected in series to provide direct current induced in the metallic structure to which they are connected in order to “inject” electrons, making its potential negative and assuming a cathodic behavior, avoiding the chemical process of corrosion/oxidation.

Module (20) and its circuit (21) are represented by FIG. 1 of the attached drawings, which was removed from the document BR202015025065-2 cited in the state of the art.

Therefore, the innovative integration center (10) is constituted by a box (11) with electronic lock door (12), equipped with a quantity X of host (13) receivers for the anti-corrosion modules (20) connected to a motherboard (14) with dedicated processor, dedicated memory, dedicated software, Wifi adapters, Bluetooth, HDMI video connector, USB type ports, Ethernet type, power supply, camera interface, interface for display, audio and video connector, sensors to measure temperature, current and other necessary components for correct operation and/or future improvements.

The app/software (30), equipped with a geolocation tool, is available for desktops (computers) or mobile format (for smartphones, tablets, etc.) and allows the user to control and manage integration centers (10). Such app (30) is formed, initially and basically, by:

-   -   Registration screen;     -   Main screen;     -   Active exchanges screen;     -   Blocked central screens;     -   Central screen on the map;     -   Reports screen; and     -   Administration screen.

Constituted the central integration (10) and the app (30), these will be used in na integration system and real-time information management from the correct installation of anti-corrosion modules (20).

For this purpose, the anti-corrosion modules (20) will be installed in according to the already known state of the art. That is, the negative of this equipment module (20) will be connected to the metallic body of the surface to be protected. In this document, in order to exemplify descriptively and visually with greater ease of understanding, the metallic body will be illustrated and used as an example of a metallic structure (MS) of the shed type, as shown in particular in FIG. 2.

As an innovation in the installation system, allowed by the modernization of the integration center (10) and its app (30), using the example of the metallic structure (MS), the installer performs a technical analysis of the structure (MS) considering:

-   -   The type of metal that makes up the structure;     -   The conductivity of the metal;     -   The thickness of the metal;     -   Electrical resistivity;     -   The number of electron charge carriers per cm² or cm³;     -   The electron charge charged by the carrier;     -   The mobility of electron charge carriers;     -   The stabilization of the valence layer of the metal;     -   The proper pressure of the terminals of the anchoring points.

After the analysis of the items above, the following are still considered particularities:

-   -   Total area per m² or m³ of the structure (MS);     -   Exposure to corrosive environments (e.g. dry atmosphere, humid         atmosphere, wet atmosphere, direct contact with salt or sweet         water, types of soil, air salt, proximity to the sea, etc.);     -   Chemicals vapor pressure exposure (e.g. when installed in food         industries, water treatment plants (WTP) and sewage treatment         plants STP, etc.);     -   Contact of the structure (MS) with water (e.g. when in metallic         reservoirs, treatment modules, etc.);     -   Temperature (e.g. furnaces, refrigerators, etc.).

Based on the analyzed particularities (exemplified above) and the configurations and capabilities of the anti-corrosion modules (20) known by the installer it is defined beforehand the number of anti-corrosion modules (20) to be used from the subdivision of the metallic structure (MS) into sectors (SE). That is, depending on the size of the metal structure (MS), a single module (20) may be effective only for part of its surface, or lose its power if used for the entire surface. Therefore, this part that can have a positive effect and precision by the module (20) and it is classified as a sector (SE), following the process, a second unit of the module (20) is used for the next sector (SE) and so consecutively until the analysis shows that the entire structure (MS) will be protected against oxidation.

Once defined the number of anti-corrosion modules (20) and its sectors (SE), as shown in FIG. 3, each module (20) will have its anchoring points connected to the structure (MS) in its respective sector (SE), that is, the anchoring points of the electron distribution (P1) and the anchoring points of the centers of electron return (P2), shown in FIG. 4.

The anti-corrosion modules (20) are anchored/connected to the structure (MS) in specific sectors (SE), these are settled or housed in the respective compartments (13) in the box (11) of the integration system (10) and connected to its motherboard (14) and power supply, as shown in FIG. 5.

The installation order described can be reversed, not affecting the final result, that is, after the analysis of particularities, the unit modules (20) are put on the integration system (10) and, from there, the anchoring points (P1 and P2) are distributed by the sectors (SE) of the structure (MS).

Even though we have used the example of a metal structure (MS) such as a shed, this configuration of modules (20) by sector (SE) can be applied to any type of metallic blocks that need protection against oxidation/corrosion of their surfaces, for example machines, vessels, electric appliances, pipes, telecommunication towers, automobiles and oil platforms. Therefore, depending on the chosen configuration, even smaller or larger metallic parts of only one section (SE) can have their modules (20) integrated to a single integration center (10). In addition, an integration center (10) may contain from a single module (20) to as many as possible and necessary, bringing an infinity of possibilities within each user profile to receive the installation of this system.

That said, a configured integration center (10) with its anti-corrosion modules (20) linked to a metallic structure (MS), can be connected, thus feeding the modules (20) which, in turn, act on the metallic surface of the block to which they are anchored (in this case the metallic structure (MS)), protecting it from corrosion through the electronic distribution of electrons, efficiently repelling oxidizing agents since each module is responsible for its respective sector (SE), which assures the effectiveness of protection.

During the operation, the integration center (10) constantly monitors, through sensors and electric responses, the functioning of each of the modules (20) connected. This information is processed, analyzed and organized by the dedicated software which, through Wifi adapters communicates with (30) to provide information to the user.

As supplementary information, the inventor explains that all integration centers (10) of all users are communicating with a central headquarters that receives the information generated and has the ability to remotely block any integration center (10) from any user. This may be for reasons of contract cancellation, non-payment or any other reason that may result in blocking. When an integration center (10) is blocked, the power of their respective anti-corrosion modules (20) is cut off, stopping the protection function.

Once the user installed the software (30) in his computer, smartphone or other possible device, as illustrated in FIG. 6, he is able to access it to monitor and manage integration units (10) and their anti-corrosion modules (20) remotely and in real time.

To do so, the user must register on the app (30).

That done, the user (whenever logging in) is directed to the main screen, which displays the following:

-   -   The installation location of all integration centers (10) that         he/she owns;     -   The status of each integration center (10) in color         representation by digital “LEDs”, where the green color informs         that the corrosion protection is active and the red color         informs that the protection anti-corrosion was interrupted;     -   The date the information was last updated;     -   The time when the information was last updated;     -   A view of the corrosion protection flow;     -   The external temperature (of the environment where the metallic         block is, in this case the metallic structure (MS));     -   External humidity;     -   Wind Speed     -   The direct feed status of each integration center (10) and its         anti-corrosion modules (20).

From the main screen, the user can navigate through the software (30) in order to access other screens and other information.

Accordingly, the screen of active centers displays to the user:

-   -   A view of all active integration centers (10) in communication         or without communication;     -   A simple control to allow the opening (12) of the container         (11), of each of integration centers (10) by its electronic         keys;     -   Quick access to all integration centers (10), both active and         interrupted.

The locked centers Screen exposes and displays to the user:

-   -   A visualization of your centers (10) that are blocked;     -   Information referring to situations of blocking centers, such as         contract termination, cancellation of contract, non-payment,         etc.

The centers screen on the map shows the user:

-   -   All integration centers (10) belonging to the user on a digital         map through geolocation;     -   Possibility of customized visualization of each center (10);     -   Possibility to “click” on the map icon that represents one of         its integration centers (10), displaying a window with the name         of the installation location, the anti-corrosive protection         status, feed status and a flow ruler of electronic corrosion         protection (representing the flow of “injected” electrons on the         metal surface).

The report screen displays to the user:

-   -   Access control of third-party users;     -   Technical visit control;     -   Maintenance control;     -   Alerts report;     -   Violations report;     -   Block reports;     -   External temperature reports;     -   External humidity reports;     -   Wind speed reports;     -   Corrosion protection performance flow report.

The administration screen displays and allows the user to:

-   -   Register a third-party user (allowing access to the information         and app (30) controlled by the user profile that registered the         third party);     -   Change/update user and third-party user data;     -   Define third-party user access levels in the system;     -   Inform or report a problem to the general system center control;     -   Request a technical visit to any of your integration centers         (10);     -   A “contact us” field to contact the general system center         control

Since the invention was elucidated, the inventor finally points out that this configuration capability of the anti-corrosion modules (20) is unprecedented and exclusive, being possible only from the integration of the referred modules (20) with the integration center (10) that acts remotely via Wifi, GPS and/or GPRS for the control and management of the operation, information and status of the software (30) through sensors. 

1- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces characterized by a cabinet having: an integration center working with application for real-time management of the anti-corrosive protection of a metallic surface through anti-corrosion modules, integration center consisting of cabinet having a door with electronic lock, x number of accommodations anti-corrosion module receivers and a motherboard with dedicated processor, memory, and software, Wi-Fi adapters, Bluetooth, HDMI video connector, USB ports, Ethernet type ports, power supply, interface for camera, display interface, audio and video connector, plus sensors for measuring temperature, electric current and humidity. 2- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces, according to claim 1, said app/software having: a geolocation tool, a desktop (for computers) or mobile format (for smartphones) a registration screen; a main screen; a central active screen; a blocked central screen; a central map screen; a report screen and management screen. 3- Installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces characterized by the installer performing an analysis of the metallic structure (EM) technique (or other metallic body) where are considered the type of metal and its respective characteristics, the total area per m² or m³ of the structure (EM), exposure to corrosive substances, chemicals, water and temperature, which from these analyzed particularities and the configurations and capabilities of the anti-corrosion modules defined the number of anti-corrosion modules to be used from the subdivision of the metallic structure (EM) into sectors (SE), where each module has its anchoring points connected to the structure (EM) in their respective sector (SE) of operating on the metallic surface. 4- Installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces, according to claim 3 with anchored/connected the anti-corrosion modules to the structure (ME) in specific sectors (SS), characterized by that such modules are placed or housed in the respective housings of the cabinet of the integration center and connected to its motherboard and the power supply. 5- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces according to claim 1 characterized by an integration center with its anti-corrosion modules properly connected to the metallic structure (MS), characterized as soon as connected, to the integration center feeds the modules which, in turn, act on the metallic surface of the structure to which they are anchored (in this case the metallic structure (MS), protecting it from corrosion through electronic distribution of the electrons, repelling oxidizing agents equally in each sector (ES); during its operation, the integration center constantly monitor, through electrical sensors and responses, the functioning of each of the modules connected and this information is processed, analyzed and organized by their dedicated software which, through the Wi-Fi adapters, communicate with the application to provide information to the user. 6- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces, according to claim 1, characterized by all integration centers of all users are communicating with a general exchange central that receives the information generated and can remotely block any integration center of any user. 7- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces according to claim 1, characterized by the user having installed the application on the computer, smartphone or other possible device, can access, monitor and manage the integration units and their anti-corrosion modules remotely and in real time, so that after registering from the registration screen, the user is directed to the main screen, characterized by the main screen showing the user the location of all the integration centers that he she owns, the status of each switch in color by “LEDs”, information, the date when the information was last updated, the last update of the information, a field of view of the flow of anti-corrosive protection, the external temperature (of the place where the metallic body is located, that is metallic structure (EM), external humidity, wind speed, direct supply to each integration center and its anti-corrosion modules. 8- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces according to claim 1, characterized by that in the user screen one can navigate through the application in order to access other screens and other information, with active exchanges screen display a view of all active exchange integration with or without communication, a simple control to open the cabinet door of each of its integration centers using electronic locks, quick access to all integration centers, both active and interrupted; locked exchanges screen display a view of blocked exchanges, information regarding possible blocking situations; screen of exchanges on the map display all integration exchanges belonging to the user on a digital map through geolocation, possibility of individualized visualization of each exchange, possibility to “click” on the map icon that represents one of its integration centers that shows a dialog box with the installation name location, protective status corrosion flow, feed status and a flow ruler of the electronic corrosion protection representing the flow of electrons “Injected” into the metal surface through the anti-corrosion modules. 9- Integration center and application for anti-corrosion modules and installation method for anti-corrosive protection of metallic surfaces according to claim 1, having a screen report that displays and offers the user access control of the third-party users, control technical visit, maintenance, alert reporting; violations report, lock report, external temperature report, external humidity report, wind speed report, anti-corrosive flow protection performance report; use of the management screen display which allows the user to register a third party user, change/update user and third-party data, define third party user security levels access to the system, inform or report a problem to the central office, request a technical visit to any of the integration centers, a “contact us” field to contact the central office. 